The Storytelling Lab

Why Storytellers Are More Valuable in the Age of AI with Joe Lazer

May 14, 2026·53 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

"AI was going to get better at technical skills like coding and data analysis much faster than storytelling, because it's much easier to objectively define what is correct code. With storytelling, it's much more ephemeral. AI researchers have called it absurd, trying to quantify what good storytelling is." — Joe LazerWhen ChatGPT launched, the headlines were brutal. Storytellers were cooked, creative work was done, they all said. Joe Lazer did what any good journalist would do: he started asking questions. What he found, after two years of salons, research, and interviews with AI developers and future-of-work researchers, was the exact opposite. In this episode, Joe breaks down why AI will make storytelling the most important skill in the new economy.Joe is the co-founder of Contently, author of the new book Super Skill, and one of the sharpest thinkers on the intersection of AI and human-centered storytelling. We get into the neuroscience of why storytelling makes us better at leadership, persuasion, and collaboration; why heavy AI reliance causes a measurable 17% drop in skill mastery; and how to avoid the "vortex of mid" that's pulling most brands toward mediocrity. We also get real about how both of us actually use AI day-to-day, and where we draw the line.In this episode, you will learn to:Understand why AI raises the value of storytelling rather than replacing itRecognize how heavy AI reliance causes measurable skill atrophyAvoid the vortex of mid and stay out of generic AI-flavored contentApply the Unlock, Unleash, and Upgrade framework from Super SkillBuild audience trust through transparency about your AI useLinks & ResourcesFollow Joe Lazer:Website → https://www.joelazer.comBook → Super Skill by Joe Lazer → https://amzn.to/4ublf3WSubstack → Subscribe for a signed copy → https://www.joelazer.com/subscribeCompany → Contently → https://www.contently.comTool Referenced → Verify My Writing → https://www.verifymywriting.comNewsletter Referenced → Rachel Karten (Link in Bio) on SubstackPerson Referenced → Shane SnowConference Referenced → State of the Story by Storytelling360For more storytelling tips and strategies, visit:Website → https://rainbennett.comPodcast → https://thestorytellinglabpodcast.comOr follow along at:TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefstorytellingofficerTwitter/X → https://twitter.com/rainbennettInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/rainbennettFacebook → https://www.facebook.com/thestorytellinglabYouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@RainBennett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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